How to Choose a Suitcase — The Complete Guide

Buying a suitcase looks simple until you face the real questions: hard or soft shell? What size actually fits in the cabin? Do you need a TSA lock? This guide walks through everything worth checking before you buy.

Hard vs soft shell

• Hard shell (ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene) protects fragile items, keeps rain out, and survives baggage handling better. Polycarbonate costs more than ABS but flexes on impact instead of cracking.
• Soft shell is lighter, often has external pockets, and stretches slightly when you need to squeeze in one more thing — but it offers less protection for electronics.

Rule of thumb: fly often and check your bag — go hard shell. Travel mostly by car or train — soft shell is fine.

Cabin sizes for flights from Georgia

• Wizz Air — the free item is a small bag of max 40×30×20 cm that fits under the seat. WIZZ Priority adds a trolley case of 55×40×23 cm, up to 10 kg.
• Georgian Airways — standard carry-on is typically up to 55×40×20 cm and 8 kg, depending on fare class. Always confirm before flying.

Wheels and handles count toward the size, so check whether a listed dimension is the full external measurement. Every model in our suitcase catalog lists exact dimensions.

Wheels, locks, and quality details

Four spinner wheels glide effortlessly on airport floors; two larger wheels handle rough pavement better. A TSA lock lets US security open your bag without damage — essential if you transit major hubs; otherwise any combination lock works.

• Zippers should run smoothly along the full perimeter.
• The telescopic handle should extend without excessive wobble.
• An empty cabin case should ideally weigh 2.5–3.5 kg.
• Internal straps and dividers help — as do travel organizers for packing.

What to check at delivery

When your order arrives, test it with the courier present: spin all wheels, extend the handle, run the zipper around, inspect the shell for cracks, and try the lock with the factory code. If anything is off, hand it straight back.

Browse cabin and checked suitcases at CarryMe — free delivery in Tbilisi, cash on delivery, and you can inspect your suitcase with the courier before paying.